Author: Charlie Garrett

Sunday, 30 May 2021

These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. Revelation 17:13

The word “these” refers to the ten horns of the previous verse. It is those ten horns who will receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. Of these ten kings, it says, they “are of one mind.” The Greek word translated as “mind” signifies intent or purpose. They will have the same goal and will be united in attaining it. Because of this, it next says, “and they will give their power and authority.”

The word translated as “power” signifies “ability to perform.” As these are kings (leaders of kingdoms, probably meaning modern nations), they will put all of their resources behind meeting their intended goal.

This will include their military, industry, manpower, and so on. One can think of how the allies in WWII united in these aspects to defeat the axis. There was a joining together of the military, industry, and so on, in order to meet their set goal.

The word translated as “authority” signifies “conferred power.” It is what gives a nation the right to conduct its affairs which then leads the government to run its various operations. One could think of the constitution which establishes the nation’s governmental structure, and then mandates how that governmental structure should operate. This is its authority.

In other words, these ten kings (kingdoms, nations, or whatever) will, for all intents and purposes, align everything that makes them what they are into cooperation with “the beast.” One can think of the EU as a precursor to this.

The nations of the EU yielded most of their power and authority to its establishment. That has turned out to be a clumsy, failing system. Without unity of purpose in all ways, it has labored along, breathing heavily but not truly uniting. This will not be the case in the end times. This beast will receive full power and authority from them.

This “beast,” as noted here, will probably be led by the antichrist. He will be “the prince who is to come” noted in Daniel 9:26, and he will be of the people who destroyed the city and the sanctuary of Jerusalem in AD70, meaning Rome. Thus, this beast will most probably be a replacement for the failed EU. Without being dogmatic about this, it is the most likely explanation of what lies ahead.

Life application: As seen in the previous verse commentary, this beast is surely the same as the fourth beast in Daniel 7. In Daniel 7:8, it says, “I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots.”

The horns in Revelation are “of one mind.” However, three will be uprooted. At that time, they will probably be replaced with the antichrist’s own cronies. A solidifying of leadership will take place, and these kings will be united in their wickedness and their intent to usurp God’s rule and authority from the earth. However, the antichrist will meet his end in due time.

Until then though, this empire will have the complete support of the leaders and thus of the people. All of its resources, money, and influence will be at the command and use of the leader, and it will be the epitome of what is ungodly and humanistic.

Like so many empires that have been on the earth, this one will probably start out unassuming and beneficent, but it will hide true wickedness and evil intent until it is too late to change course. This is the agenda that Hitler had. He appeared to be the savior of Germany, but he instead brought it to ruin. This is the same tactic being deployed in the United States today. Unless we are watchful and carefully consider our elected officials, we will fall over the precipice which so many nations have gone over.

The times are leading to their fulfillment, and the great empire of wickedness is coming. Thank God that the rapture is anticipated before it arrives. Thank God for our sure hope in deliverance and our gathering together to be with JESUS!

Lord, we as Christians have the hope of a pre-tribulation rapture where we will be in Your wondrous presence instead of left in a world heading towards certain doom. We do pray now that You will continue to turn many hearts to You before the door is closed and it is too late. Thank You for helping us as we spread Your wonderful gospel. Amen.

Saturday, 29 May 2021

“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. Revelation 17:12

The mystery of the beast which has seven heads and ten horns continues in this verse. The angel now explicitly states the symbolism of the horns, saying, “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings.” There is no need to go further than this as far as “what” they are, except to say that kings can represent kingdoms. Thus, ten powers led by ten rulers can be implied. Along with this, more can be determined concerning them. The first thing of note is that they are ten kings “who have received no kingdom as yet.”

The ten kings receiving authority will rule together at the same time, not in sequence. Further, at the time of John, they had not received a kingdom. They also are not rightly explained as identifiable kings since the time of John. In other words, this is a future revelation and not something that happened in the past as the preterist belief holds.

The ten kings will arise and will “receive authority.” The source of the authority isn’t stated, but it could be as simple as the alignment of nations, such as the EU today, where a controlling government is formed out of individual nations. This set of ten kings is more than likely a vision complementing that of what Daniel saw –

“After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. ⁸ I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.” Daniel 7:7, 8

This little horn that rises up and replaces three horns is believed to be the antichrist. As this final kingdom will have ten kings, John is told that they receive their authority “for one hour.’

One hour is a metaphor for a short time. This goes right back to the words of Jesus in Revelation 3:10 – “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”

Various calculations have been made based on the term “one hour.” By taking the time of seven years and determining what one hour is in relation to this, guesses have been made about exactly how long these kings will rule. Such calculations are then turned into speculation about the exact time of the rapture or the exact time of the return of Christ, and so on. This is not responsible theology. The term (as just noted above) simply means “for a short time.” These kings will have a very short rule before their authority ends. And it will be a sad end for them because they rule “as kings with the beast.”

The fate of the beast will not be a happy one, and the fate of those kings who rule will surely not be pleasant.

Life application: There is a period of trial coming upon the whole world, but the faithful believers at the end of the Christian Era will be saved from it at the rapture. Here are a couple S/W videos on the rapture –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob76os-iMN0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyerjzB2EiI

After the rapture, the world will face these things, including the rise of this beast which is headed by the antichrist and to which these ten leaders are aligned.

It cannot be determined who these kings are because they haven’t yet received their power. They could be a part of the revived Roman Empire, a separate entity within Europe who joins them, an Islamic coalition that joins them, etc. Whoever they are, they will receive authority, but as Jesus says – “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:16).

All the power and prestige that these kings think they have will fade into destruction and hell. Their temporary rule will result in eternal punishment… not a very good deal for them after all. As believers will be taken out at the rapture, thus avoiding the terrors that are coming, wouldn’t you be wise to be a part of that glorious departure? It can happen if you will simply accept God’s offer of peace and reconciliation. Accept the good news today! Call out to JESUS.

Heavenly Father, too often we look at wealth, power, and prestige as if it should be our ultimate goal, and we forget that all these worldly things are passing away. Help us to make right choices that will result in eternal rewards. May we not focus on the short-term worldly gain that has no true importance. Give us right reasoning in these things, O God. Amen.

Friday, 28 May 2021 

The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition. Revelation 17:11

The angel has been describing the seven heads on which the woman sits. In this, he noted that they are seven mountains, but also seven kings. After noting this, he said, “There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time” (17:10). Now, words that – at first – seem most confusing come forth. He says, “The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth.”

The gender of the terms is unusual. The words, “and the beast,” are neuter. The words, “that was is not, is himself also the eighth,” are masculine. The masculine shows that the “eighth” refers to the kings noted in verse 10. Further, there is no article before the word “eighth.” Therefore, this is not “an eighth” as if in a series of one after another in relation to the seven kings previously noted. It reads, “he also is eighth.”

This probably means that the beast is formed by, and consists of, what has been spoken about concerning the seven kings. To understand, Charles Ellicott goes to one of the parables of Jesus –

“As an illustration, we may recall her whom the seven brothers had as wife; last of all the woman, the eighth, which was of the seven, died also.”

The succeeding kings all fell, but there is one left from the beast itself. As it says, “and is of the seven, and is going to perdition.” The Greek uses the word ek, out of. The beast is “out of the seven.” Young’s translates the verse more appropriately –

“and the beast that was, and is not, he also is eighth, and out of the seven he is, and to destruction he doth go away.” YLT

This eighth, out of the seven, is the antichrist or “the son of perdition” noted in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. The same word of him used by Paul there is used here, translated as “destruction.” Regardless of the identification of the first seven kings, this “eighth” is certainly referring to him. As was previously seen, one possible explanation of the beast is the progression of empires that have afflicted Israel – Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. Because Rome faded off the scene but will come back in the future as we know from Daniel 9, this is a total of seven empires. The eighth beast is out of the same entity and specifically the antichrist who rules the final world power.

Life application: The term “perdition” is used of Judas who betrayed Jesus. As noted above, it also is used of the coming antichrist in 2 Thessalonians. The antichrist will be a partner to the false prophet. It is he who is set for destruction because of how he has conducted his life affairs. Like Judas, both led their lives in opposition to the will of God in Christ.

Although the spirit of the antichrist has been active in the world throughout the church age (1 John 2:18), the position will finally be realized in this person who is filled with the power of Satan. He will lead the world into chaos and ruin during the tribulation period, but his end is foretold in Chapter 19. Until that time, the mystery of lawlessness and rebellion against God will only increase as the world turns away from the truth of the message of Jesus Christ in preparation for the arrival of this person.

The times are progressing towards their fulfillment, and as they march on, faithful believers need to stand fast on the gospel message and not waiver in their moral convictions. But more, if you are a faithful believer, you should also be a faithful proclaimer. Those around you are already condemned (John 3:18). What they need is for you to speak. They need to hear about JESUS.

Lord Jesus, You have shown us what is right and good. Help each of us to pass on this wonderful message of peace and reconciliation with God. A day is coming for each of us when we can no longer work, and so before that time arrives, help us to be about Your business. To Your honor and glory, we pray. Amen.

Thursday, 27 May 2021

There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time. Revelation 17:10

The angel speaking to John just explicitly told him that the seven heads of the beast are seven mountains. Whether those are literal mountains, or whether they are representative of governments was examined. The angel now says, “There are also seven kings.” As such, this leaves several possibilities once again. For now, the angel next says, “Five have fallen.”

The Greek literally reads, “fell.” Vincent’s Word Studies notes, “Constantly used in the Septuagint of the violent fall or overthrow of kings or kingdoms. See Ezekiel 29:5; Ezekiel 30:6; Isaiah 21:9; Jeremiah 50:15; Jeremiah 51:8.” This would align with the idea of empires as noted in the previous verse.

As noted then, there are five of note that have afflicted or had control over Israel in the past, prior to John’s writing of Revelation – Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. From there, the angel says, “one is.”

Rome was in that position when John received Revelation, thus making it a sixth empire. Eventually, it faded away. If this is correct, then the five who had fallen are Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. The “one that is” would be Rome (the sixth).

At John’s time, Rome held authority over Israel. Even the leaders of Israel understood this when they called out –

“But they cried out, ‘Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!’
Pilate said to them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’
The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king but Caesar!’” John 19:15

Disregarding the ultimate authority of the Lord, the leaders of Israel noted that the control over their nation was securely in the hands of Rome. From there, the angel next says to John, “and the other has not yet come.”

This coming empire would be the revived Roman Empire. A problem with this is that it would appear to set a different standard of what reference point John is using for verse 17:8 and this verse now – meaning the beginning of the tribulation period (17:8) as opposed to John’s present time (17:10). However, it is not an irreconcilable difference because the same empire is being referred to in both cases.

This does fit the scenario quite well, and it appears to match the other confusing verses in this chapter. However, there was more than one king who ruled each of these powers during the time they afflicted Israel. This confuses the scenario a bit, but if only the empire is noted and not the individual kings who ruled them, then it isn’t a problem. If this is the correct analysis, the final words are almost self-explanatory. The angel says, “And when he comes, he must continue a short time.

This final empire with a ruler over it, and which will hold some sort of control over Israel, will exist for only a short period. Based on the timing of the tribulation period, this aligns with that notion.

A second option is that if the previous verse refers to “seven hills” rather than “seven mountains,” then it is only speaking of Rome and powers which rule from there. This makes the interpretation more difficult to understand at this time, but it will be cleared up as the world moves into the tribulation period. The mind with wisdom will be able to understand who and what is being spoken of.

Life application: It must be remembered that the great harlot rides on this beast. Therefore, there is a religious connection to the beast, even if the beast means world powers or a Roman power. There is spiritual harlotry between the two and both will be judged for their actions. It is hard to be dogmatic about a particular interpretation at this time, but in the end, the mystery of these symbols will become clear.

For now, the main thing to consider is that the events will occur. As this is so, it means that God already knows the end from the beginning. Therefore, we know that the other things that God has said in His word are also true and reliable. He has promised eternal life to those who come to Him through faith in what He has done.

As this is so, let us accept the gospel message. Christ died for our sins, Christ was buried, and Christ rose on the third day. When we believe this message and receive what He did, we are saved – once and for all time. Let us use wisdom. Here is a fuller explanation of what Christ did for you at this link: https://superiorword.org/salvation/

Let us receive God’s precious offer of peace and reconciliation. Let us come to JESUS.

Lord God Almighty, regardless of how the smaller details of future prophecy turn out, we have something far better to focus on! Give us the wisdom to read and understand Your word. Help us to never get distracted from the overall message of the Bible which is that You are God, and You are in complete control of all things. We love and praise You! Amen.

Wednesday, 26 May 2021

“Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. Revelation 17:9

This verse continues the explanation of “the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns” as noted in verse 17:7. The angel has given some detail but proceeds with more. This will continue through the end of the chapter. For now, he says, “Here is the mind which has wisdom.”

What this means is that something will be stated that requires thought in order to grasp, but it can be grasped. Further, it has to be looked at from a Christ-centered perspective. As it says in the proverb –

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

Those who are not pursuing a knowledge of the Lord will not even know that what is presented here is a clue to the end times events that are being symbolized. But for those who fear the Lord, pick up His word and study it, those things that are not known to most will be discernible.

In these words, the pattern of the Hebrew aleph-bet matching the corresponding chapter of Revelation continues. The 17^th letter of the aleph-bet is pe. It is represented by a mouth. Hebrew4Christians says, “Pey follows the letter Ayin, suggesting the priority of the eyes (i.e., understanding, awareness) before verbal expression (negatively, reversing this order results in “blind consumption” or mindless chatter). The chokhmah (wise one) is swift to observe and then to offer an opinion about something.” In this, the letter/chapter connection is seen – an expression of wisdom – “Here is the mind which has wisdom” (v.9).

For now, the angel begins with an explanation of what the mind which has wisdom will be able to discern, saying, “The seven heads are seven mountains.”

This is the first enigmatic statement. The seven heads were referred to in verse 17:3 –

“And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.”

The seven heads only symbolize something else, seven mountains. But this is possibly more complicated than it appears. The reason for this is that mountains in Scripture can refer to governments. This is the case, for example, in Isaiah 2:2 and Jeremiah 51:25 (among many other references). Therefore, this could be seven governments.

However, the mountains could be literal as well. The Greek word translated as “mountain” is oros. It signifies either a mountain or a hill. Some translations say, “seven hills.” Later in this chapter, it will say, “And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth” (17:18).

Because of this, it may be a literal city that rests on seven hills. Throughout the years, people have attempted to fit Jerusalem into this by choosing seven “hills” and saying that this is the city on seven hills. This is fanciful, but the hills chosen to accommodate this view do not realistically fit. Rather, they are a forced attempt at making the place fit the scenario. Further, this Mystery Babylon is set to be destroyed, once and for all, in the pages ahead. On the other hand, Jerusalem will continue on as the Bible clearly indicates.

On the other hand, Rome has been known as the “city on seven hills” well into antiquity. Rome, or as known by its original name Romulus, was built upon Palatine Hill. The other identifying hills are the Capitoline, Quirinal, Viminal, Esquiline, Caelian, and Aventine. Therefore, this could be referring to Rome.

Another option is that it is referring to both Rome and to seven governments that will join together with a main capitol being Rome. As these things are future, only speculation is possible. Even if the speculation is correct, it can’t be certain that it is.

If the mountains are governments or empires, another possibility also arises. There are five major powers that have afflicted or had control of God’s people in the past, prior to John’s writing of Revelation – Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. Rome was in that position when John did his writing and then Rome faded away. However, Rome will again come to be a great power that will afflict Israel (see Daniel 9). And so, it could be both the sixth and seventh empire to wield control over the people and the land.

This would have to assume that Israel is somehow placed under the authority of this entity. If so, this then could answer the previous verse about the beast – it was, and is not, and yet is. It does appear that Rome in particular is the center of the prophecy and because this is speaking of a harlot, there is a religious element to what is being relayed. It is a spiritual prostitution that will find its ultimate fulfillment in a complete rejection of the truth of the gospel.

Life application: In verse 13:18 it said, “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.” Again, in this verse, we are shown that it is possible to discern the things that are presented, but that it takes wisdom. Unfortunately, we don’t know if this wisdom will only come about during the Tribulation period or if we are thinking right thoughts about these things now.

In other words, there are patterns which exist right now which could fill the requirements of this verse – some very insightful. However, if the final fulfillment of them is to be found in the Tribulation, then only at that time will the correct interpretation be known. Regardless, the fulfillment can be known and, when it is, there will be no excuse for those during the Tribulation to reject the truth of prophecy.

God has laid out these things in a form of mystery so that those who truly seek Him out, through Jesus Christ, will be able to discern what is going on during the Tribulation. This is true even now. God has revealed the mystery of the gospel through the New Testament epistles. Therefore, the world is without excuse if it does not simply pick up the book and read it. There, we find an explanation of what God has explicitly revealed. There, we find His provision for salvation through the gospel. There, we find JESUS.

Help us, O Lord, to focus our attention on You and not to get too sidetracked by the things which we may not fully understand. In the end, You know what will occur and who will respond to the truths in Your word at just the right moment in their lives. Help us to be a part of that by sharing the truth of the gospel now before the time of trial comes on the world. Amen.